![]() What we like: Nice mix of price, comfort, and performance for beginners. And to complete your ski gear setup, see our article on the best skis for beginners. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Our top picks for the 2023-2024 season cover boots for true beginners up to progressing intermediates that require greater stiffness and performance. Part of the reason is that most beginner boots are based on more expensive models but with a roomier fit and a softer forward flex. Thankfully, there are quality options even in the entry-level market. An ill-fitting cheap boot can pinch and freeze toes, turning potential fun into complete misery. Thanks again for your thoughts.If there is one piece of gear that will keep first timers from sticking with the sport, it’s an uncomfortable ski boot. I'll expand my search to 120/130 flex range in hopes that the fit along the shin and cuff angle will be right to accommodate a stiffer flex. I'm still thinking Daleboot, but may try to eek out the rest of the season in these Salomons and then do some early season skiing in Utah in the fall. Because the season is so short here in the midwest the local dealers don't reorder once stock leaves the shop, so I've got to hunt around. I got to ski three times in the past 10 days and I'm asking myself, are my current boots really that bad? But I know, that as soon as I say, "let's keep em another season" something will break and I'll be in the emergency buy mode. They were pretty good- until the temps dropped below 25☏ and then it was like flexing block ice. I remember many years back I had some yellow Langes. That seems to be the consensus and I'll just have to see for myself how they feel in the shop and pray they don't stiffen up that much in the cold. So replacing them isn't a matter of if, but when- and with what. which largely explains why I've nursed my current pair for 16 seasons. I hope I painted a broader picture of my situation. I did a pretty good job of keeping up with the teenagers yesterday. Age is beginning to become a factor so I don't push as hard as I used to, but in good conditions can still crank turns pretty well. When I've gone out of the area, I've most often skied Snowbird UT, thought I've skied at Jackson, Squaw Valley, Sun Valley and Vail, pretty much everything in Summit County. As I get called on to teach upper levels I sometimes have to do bump lessons. Terrain? For the most part I'm here in the midwest, so mostly cruising hardpack. My avatar illustrates about 75% how hard I can turn when cruising on groomed. How hard do I turn? While I teach a lot of lessons where not hard at all, when out free skiing, depending on the area, it can be fairly hard. So I have to find that perfect blend of fit, flex and performance. When that happens I get shock waves through my entire body, as if I got blasted with a lightning bolt (no joke). I've learned to generate a LOT of leverage from my feet, so the tongue/cuff of the boot serves to create more stability than leverage, PLUS shock absorption, so that my ankle doesn't get cranked when I run into something hard. My shin does not like overly stiff boots, requires the right balance of stiffness, forward lean and ramp angle. However, my shin lost a lot of muscle, has a screw right in the middle where the tongue could hit and can be a bit tender. My left ankle, I believe has severe calcification which restricts my dorsiflexion to about 90°, though I can extend relatively normally. I was in an accident many years ago where my left leg suffered major damage. My condition is somewhat unique and a bit of a conundrum. The reason I am inquiring is because I want to gauge what I might buy vs what I have. What can you guys tell me about today's flex ratings, and perhaps specifically about where this Lange RX100 fits into the scheme of things? TIA I have no idea how these boots are going to feel on the hill and while I don't like super stiff boots, I don't want boots that are too soft and will flex out the first time I hit a big bump. But this boot is listed for "strong intermediates to expert skiers". And the 100 flex may have even been softer than my old Salomons. I tried on a pair of Lange RX100's (100 flex). My boots liners are pretty well packed out and a new liner doesn't make sense. Back then 110 was super stiff and only pure race boots were stiffer yet. The Salomon XWave 8.0's are rated at 90 flex, but to me feel stiffer. I used to destroy boots in a season, but now am very light on the tongues, ski from the bottoms of my feet and the tongue/cuff mostly acts as shock absorption and stability more than as leverage. I have a light touch and don't pummel turns like I used to do as a less accomplished skier. I've been in the same Salomon boots for over 15 years now.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |